PSNI cannons in Queen security plan
Two PSNI water cannons have been deployed to Dublin as security is ramped up ahead of the Queen’s historic visit to the Republic of Ireland next weekend.
The Queen is due to arrive in the Irish capital on 17 May for a three-day visit, the first by a British monarch since Ireland gained independence.
It has widely been welcomed as a symbol of improving relations between the UK and Ireland, however, the persistent dissident threat has led to some security concerns.
Following the murder of Catholic policeman Ronan Kerr, and a Real IRA rally in Derry which opposed the Queen’s visit, Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore said “very strong” precautions will be put in place.
“We’ve seen very menacing threats coming from these groups in recent weeks,” Mr Gilmore told RTÉ radio on Wednesday.
“The government is concerned about any dissident threats there are, and the security arrangements are very strong arrangements.
“We have a great tradition in this country of welcoming state visitors – we’ve had many in the past and there’s a considerable amount of experience in organising security arrangements for those visits.”
Part of these arrangements will involve two PSNI water cannons, which have been borrowed by the Garda Síochána in a cross-border move that police say “isn’t unusual”.
A statement said: “We will be supplying equipment to the An Garda Síochána for the Royal visit. This isn’t unusual as the PSNI and the Garda liaise together on numerous occasions so we are providing vehicles but not officers.”
Meanwhile the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama to the Republic has also prompted international security concerns, following the death of Osama Bin Laden.
Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore continued: “Even without the Osama Bin Laden death the security arrangements would be very tight and very comprehensive, but we will take account of any perceived threat there are.”
The Queen’s visit will take place from 17 to 20 May, while President Obama is expected to be in the country later this month.
